PORTHMADOG and Caernarfon were left frustrated after a derby draw which meant that both struggling sides missed out on vital points in the quest to climb clear of danger.

Porthmadog, who came from behind twice, had more reason to be dissatisfied. They created the better chances, notably one near the end when Kevin Roberts contrived to screw a shot wide from eight yards.

Ex-Caernarfon regular Jason Sadler, summoned off the subs&#x2019; bench minutes earlier, had set up the situation with good work on the left wing and an inviting cross.

Porthmadog&#x2019;s irritation at a win that got away was clearly expressed by joint manager Viv Williams.

He said: &#x201c;Mistakes at the back cost us dearly and we have got to cut them out because we are being punished, although we did well when going forward.

&#x201c;This was a game in which we deserved to get more than just one point. Whereas last time out we huffed and puffed, we were more than a threat throughout and had enough chances.

&#x201c;But we did not shut up shop properly and hesitancy and slowness to clear was exploited by our opponents.&#x201c;

Steve O&#x2019;Shaughnessy, in charge of Caernarfon for the first time in the league, had a different perspective.

&#x201c;I thought a draw was a fair result to what was an open game, with chances at both ends,&#x201c; he said.

&#x201c;I was disappointed that, although we took the lead twice, we were unable to hold on to those situations, but overall I am satisfied that we gained an away point, because the result could have gone either way.&#x201d;

The hosts, who beat their rivals 3-1 in the Loosemores Cup in August, were jolted when they conceded a goal to Town&#x2019;s best player Chris Jones after just six minutes.

Jones&#x2019; flighted effort from 15 yards out on the left flank, after he had burst through an offside attempt, swept past keeper Richard Harvey.

The home team were back on level terms on 25 minutes thanks to Carl Owen. He finished off from close range after Les Davies had drawn keeper Paul Pritchard off his line.

Caernarfon were in front again at 2-1 on 32 minutes, when Leyton Maxwell converted a penalty &#x2013; his fourth this season &#x2013; awarded when Chris Jones was fouled by Ryan Davies.

Counter raids by Porthmadog involved misses by Owen, Gareth Caughter, Gareth Parry and Kevin Roberts, before the latter rounded off a slick exchange with Les Davies to hit the equaliser on 65 minutes.